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Thursday, 29 August 2013

‘VOTE BUYING AT SWAZI ELECTION’

Textile firms in Swaziland have been accused helping to
buy votes in the kingdom’s primary election.

It is alleged at least three three firms in the industrial
town of Matsapha transported their workers by bus to the town of Pigg’s Peak
where they were paid E400 (US$38), the equivalent of almost a week’s wages, by a
candidate for their votes.

‘“Everything was arranged by our supervisor. She told us
that one nominee in Pigg’s Peak has asked for our votes and that in return the
candidate would pay us E400 each. Hearing such an offer, we did not hesitate
but registered to vote in Pigg’s Peak. On Saturday, [the day of the primary election]
transport was organised and we were driven to Pigg’s Peak where we voted. We
were each paid E400.”’

‘This publication has also established that some
employees from three textile firms registered to vote in Pigg’s Peak.’

Now, losing candidates want the Elections and Boundaries
Commission and the courts to have the results nullified and the voting exercise
started afresh.